Are you very familiar with lofts? Racing kits? Futurities? Or Charles Siegel?

Neither was I until I visited the company headquartered in Jeanerette that specializes in all things related to pigeons, their health, upkeep, and futurities (championship races).

This enterprise, originally established in Illinois and named for its founder Charles Siegel, was bought by Ed Minvielle, the present owner, in 1989 and relocated to part of his family’s property.

The place is an absolute emporium for pigeon fanciers.

As I entered the office the not unpleasant smell of mineral and vitamin supplements hung in the air accompanied by the sights and sounds of employees preparing packages for shipment to customers. Every room of the former residence held so much merchandise that there was very little vacant space.  This was a robust establishment.

Incidentally, in addition to the main house, there are two adjoining supply warehouses and five lofts where the pigeons are kept.  This company is one of just a handful in this country dealing with these particular birds.

“Most of our business is done through mail order, internet sales, and by phone,” affirmed manager Liz Derise. “We have customers all over the United States and Puerto Rico, and we send out over 20,000 catalogs a year.”

Liz showed me around the building.  As she spoke about the company and the different items, she displayed great knowledge as well as affection for her place of employment.

I asked her what she liked the most about her job. Without hesitation she replied, “I like the fact that this is an unusual business that’s not seen just anywhere.”

  As a youngster I had walked past this building countless times when it was the residence of the Schexnayder family, related to the current owner. And I was pleased to see how it was now being used as the office of such a singular enterprise.

Ed Minvielle came in and we went to a small room in the back for a chat.  Once again, every bit of space was being utilized.

He explained that he had always been interested in pigeons. As time went on, he decided to learn as much as possible about them, including the complexities of genetics in order to breed champion futurity birds.

“I have genetically engineered pigeons that are now second generation and most always perform at the top of the racing chart,” he said. 

In order to ensure the birds’ well-being, Ed consults regularly with the foremost veterinary experts. He has also traveled to Austria, Belgium, and Germany to seek out quality birds and supplies.

He remarked that “… one of our most sought-after items is a racing kit consisting of ten just-weaned birds.”

After walking home I felt grateful that Ed and Liz had shared with me some of their knowledge about both the birds and this unique business.

From now on, every time I pass the old Schexnayder home, I’ll always think of it affectionately as “the pigeon place.”  

O.J. GONZALEZ is a native and resident of Jeanerette. He graduated from USL in printmaking and photography and his photographs have appeared in publications in Louisiana, Alaska, Canada, New Zealand and England.